July 21, 2011
Wales

Council say no to Gwytherin wind turbine

North Wales Weekly News, www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk 21 July 2011

A farmer who wanted to erect a wind turbine on his property has been told it could set a precedent for others to follow suit.

Arthur Roberts of Tyn Ddol, Gwytherin, near Abergele, argued that installing the 55kw turbine on a 36.5m high tower, would help to ensure the viability of the farm as he would be able to sell excess electricity to the local distribution network. He said: “This scheme has been supported by the Assembly. We would be producing renewable energy and any money left over would help to secure the future of the farm and allow us to diversify.

“We have received many letters of support and only two against. The Countryside Council for Wales and the parish council didn’t have any problem with the proposal.”

But Conwy County Council’s planning committee turned down his application on the grounds that the benefits of the scheme weren’t sufficient to outweigh the impact on the landscape. They also said they felt the wind turbine wasn’t appropriate to the existing farm operation which is mainly sheep grazing.

Council leader Dilwyn Roberts, himself a farmer, said: “I support local farms who want to diversify, but I believe the community council considered it on its own merits and rejected it. There are issues that haven’t yet been resolved and maybe more information is needed before a decision is made.”

And Cllr Chris Hughes said: “I support use of wind power where appropriate, but it is getting to the stage where our rural communities are saturated, and we have to be selective. It worries me that it could lead to more turbines in this area in the future and it would set a precedent.”

The planning committee voted unanimously to reject the proposal.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/07/21/council-say-no-to-gwytherin-wind-turbine/